The experience of D/deaf healthcare professionals during the coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus pandemic, in particular the introduction of masks, presented a huge challenge for the UK's D/deaf community, many of whom rely on visual cues in lipreading and sign language. This particularly affected D/deaf healthcare professionals (HCPs), who faced significant communication challenges at work due to the lack of transparent masks or other reasonable adjustments. Aims: To determine the impact that a lack of transparent masks and reasonable adjustments had on communication, confidence at work and well-being among D/deaf HCPs during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods: A survey was sent to all members of the 'UK Deaf Healthcare Professionals Group' on Facebook, the 'Healthcare Professionals with Hearing Loss' listserver and promoted on Social Media. Results: Eighty-three responses were received. Nine (11%) individuals had access to transparent masks. Over three-quarters of respondents reported feeling anxious and fearful of making a mistake due to communication difficulties. Fourteen (17%) were removed from clinical roles due to a lack of reasonable adjustments. One-third felt they would need to consider an alternative career if improvements were not made. Seventy-eight per cent felt the communication needs of D/deaf HCPs had not been met during the pandemic. Conclusions: D/deaf HCPs felt left behind, isolated and frustrated by a lack of transparent masks and reasonable adjustments to meet their communication needs. Loss of experienced, qualified HCPs has a significant economic and workforce impact, particularly during a pandemic. Urgent action is needed to ensure D/deaf HCPs are provided with the workplace support required under the Equality Act (2010).